Waterford United -v- Athlone Town

WATERFORD UNITED

The Blues have endured a tough start to the season with just one point from an opening twelve available. The poor start has mounted pressure on manager Paul O’Brien and a win is badly needed this weekend to ensure O’Brien’s position is safe. 

Last weekend The Blues were defeated 2-1 in their south-east derby against Wexford Youths despite Vinny Sullivan putting them in front. A poor showing after the opener saw Wexford come back to win, with Seamus Long’s red card ensuring a miserable trip to Ferrycarrig Park.

Peter Keegan remains injured along with Ben Ryan (hamstring). They are joined by John Frost (groin), Francis Rockett (heel) and Seamus Long (suspended) for the visit of Athlone Town. Michael Coady returns from injury.

"We went down to ten men and it kind of cost us,” manager Paul O’Brien said. “I thought that we were well in the game up to that. I think that a South East derby is always like that [tight]. We were down here to battle and as always with direct football, it’s physical and we had to try match them for that."

"Four games and one point but I think that last year we got a point against Mervue United and it turned our season so hopefully that will be case for our next game against Athlone Town. Next week we’re looking for a 120% performance and that will turn our season."

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town make the trip to the RSC after last weekend’s 3-3 draw at home to Salthill Devon when a last gasp equaliser prevented them picking up the three points.

Ryan Coombes and Philly Gorman put Athlone in front last weekend after Enda Curran’s early opener, before Curran levelled again. Gorman’s second just before half time was cancelled out as Curran grabbed his hat-trick with three minutes to go to leave both teams with a share of the points.

Roddy Collins’ side have won one of their opening four games, a 2-0 win against Wexford Youths. They also drew against Cobh Ramblers and Mervue United adding to last week’s point.

Athlone travel to the RSC without Philly Gorman who, despite scoring two goals last weekend, saw red in the second half and misses out through suspension. Noel McGee also misses the game having picked up a hamstring injury before their tie against Salthill Devon.

Referee: Keith Callanan.

MATCH STATS

Athlone Town failed to win any of the four matches between the sides last season, with two draws and two wins for Waterford United.

The sides shared 12 league goals in their four matches last season, with just three goals coming in the first half of matches.  

BETTING

Waterford United 11/10; Draw 21/10; Athlone Town 9/4.

PREDICTION

2-1 to Athlone Town.

Waterford United

Injured: Peter Keegan, Ben Ryan, Francis Rockett, John Frost.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Seamus Long.

Athlone Town

Injured: Noel McGee.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Philly Gorman.